Cocke County Disaster Risk
Cocke County, Tennessee
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
55th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#50
of 95 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
68th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 68% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 62% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 50% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 77% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Very Low
Higher than 36% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Cocke County, Tennessee
Cocke County exceeds state average slightly
Cocke County's composite risk score of 54.52 sits just above Tennessee's state average of 52.45, indicating slightly elevated vulnerability to natural disasters. The county's relatively low overall rating masks significant exposure in flood and wildfire categories concentrated in its Appalachian terrain.
Mid-range risk among Tennessee counties
Cocke County ranks in the middle range of Tennessee's 95 counties by composite risk score, reflecting its position as a moderately exposed East Tennessee mountain county. The county's elevation and forest cover drive its hazard concentrations.
Lower wildfire risk than nearby Claiborne
Cocke County's wildfire risk of 61.77 is notably lower than Claiborne County's 81.36 to the west, though its flood risk (68.48) exceeds Claiborne's (51.72). This variation reflects Cocke's valley and riparian geography compared to Claiborne's higher-elevation plateau.
Floods and wildfires dominate local threats
Flood risk (68.48) and wildfire risk (61.77) represent Cocke County's primary concerns, both substantially above the state average and reflecting the county's Appalachian mountain and forest environment. Earthquake risk (76.91) ranks third, while tornado and hurricane risks remain secondary.
Prioritize flood and wildfire mitigation
Cocke County residents near waterways should obtain federal flood insurance to address the county's 68.48 flood risk, particularly in historic floodplain areas. Defensible space management and wildfire insurance are equally critical given the county's 61.77 wildfire risk and substantial forest cover.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Cocke County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Cocke County
Risk Verdict
Natural hazard pressure in Cocke County is below the national midpoint, with a composite score at the 55th percentile. Proactive emergency planning and awareness of the specific hazards driving Cocke County's score can meaningfully reduce household risk.
Hazard Breakdown
Earthquake risk is Cocke County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 77th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 68th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include wildfire (62th percentile), tornado (50th percentile), hurricane (36th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Earthquake exposure at the 77th percentile nationally puts Cocke County in a zone where utilities — gas, water, electrical — are the most common post-quake hazard. Knowing how to shut off the main gas valve is an important household skill to develop before an event occurs. The county's flood risk at the 68th percentile nationally is a seasonal consideration alongside the year-round earthquake threat, requiring awareness of both hazard types. Cocke County households benefit from keeping shoes and a flashlight near the bed — post-earthquake navigation through debris in the dark is a common cause of secondary injury. This low-cost step has outsized protective value.
Regional Context
Cocke County's risk score is broadly comparable to the Tennessee county average, with a 2.1-point gap that places the county near the center of the state's hazard distribution.
Is your household prepared for Cocke County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Cocke County, TN?
What types of natural hazards affect Cocke County?
How does Cocke County risk compare to the Tennessee average?
Is Cocke County at risk for earthquake?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Why is Cocke County higher risk than average?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.